By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 8, 2009
Manners, manners, manners. The oh-so important skill: manners! We need them all year round but somehow they seem extra important during the holiday season. Here are a couple of books that have an encouragingly humorous take on socially acceptable behavior. I have read each one and give my complete seal of approval. I’ve included the publisher’s synopsis for your benefit, thank you!
by Jennifer Larue Huget (Author), Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; 1 edition (September 22, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: A hilarious look at good (and bad) behavior!
Based on Emily Post’s bestselling etiquette book, published in 1922, here’s an uproarious picture book that takes rules about behavior and turns them upside down. When Mother brings home Post’s big blue book—it’s all about minding your manners—there sure are a lot of new rules to follow: No slumping in chairs, no leaning on your elbows at the table, no shouting at the top of your lungs. Mother is delighted, but the kids are not. What they need is a clever plan to get rid of that pesky book once and for all. But how? Turns out the answer’s easy—they just have to play by the rules.
With actual quotes and characters from Post’s book woven into the story, here’s an uproarious look at being on your best behavior . . . and on your worst!
Add this book to your collection: Thanks a LOT, Emily Post!
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
by Laurie Keller
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Square Fish; Reprint edition (September 1, 2009)
Source: Purchased
Publisher’s synopsis: “Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you.”
OTTERS!
But he doesn’t know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends?
Just treat otters the same way you’d like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl.
In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor—simply follow the Golden Rule!
Add this book to your collection: Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
by Sarah The Duchess of York Ferguson (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (September 23, 2008)
Source: Purchased
Publisher’s synopsis: That Ruby! Wherever she goes, table cloths accidentally pull dishes to the floor, flowers get trampled and spaghetti somehow end up in her hair. You can’t take Ruby anywhere! One sunny morning, the postman brings Ruby an amazing invitation to have tea with — the Queen! Ruby had better polish her manners and quickly. Will Ruby really be ready in time?
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Robin Preiss Glasser know a thing or two about the importance of manners and poise and being ladylike. In Tea For Ruby, they have created the irrepressible Ruby, whose antics and foibles with touch readers’ hearts as she tries her very best to do things correctly. In the end, she knows she is loved for who she is, and that she will always be a princess, royal or not!
Add this book to your collection: Tea for Ruby
Leave us a comment: Tell us which books you’ve used for encouraging good manners in children.
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4 Comments
All 3 look great! My library only has one of them but I’ll be checking it out!
Which one do they have? Let me know what you think.
Tea for Ruby is a sweet book but I couldn’t get over the illustrations by the same artist as Fancy Nancy — it just seemed like the same character in a different story.
Can’t wait to check out the other two!!
You’re right about the illustrations: My 3-year-old daughter wouldn’t believe me that it was not Fancy Nancy. She got it eventually and really enjoys the book.